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France & Benelux

Paris, Versailles, Normandy & the Loire Valley

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10 days From $3,795 $3,495 per person
4.0 stars(21 reviews)
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Experience France’s famous landmarks, celebrated culture and timeless charms on this unforgettable journey, visiting Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, and the Loire Valley

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on 2026 Escorted Europe Vacations. Ends June 30th.

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Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: PNB26

About the tour

Explore the highlights of Paris and northwest France, with guided tours of its historic cities and landmarks, palaces and châteaux.

On this diverse tour, visit the expansive Palace of Versailles and Monet's famed garden, then continue to Normandy's beaches, taking in the poignant D-Day landing sites. Explore majestic Mont St Michel and the Brittany coast, before touring the glorious wine region of the Loire Valley with its exquisite castles.

Wherever your interests lie, this ten-day journey introduces you to a wide spectrum of excursions in fascinating France.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Dine on a cruise along the Seine in Paris
Dine on a cruise along the Seine in Paris
See Paris from the water on a dinner cruise along the Seine River, passing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral and other Parisian attractions.
Tour the spectacular Palace of Versailles
Tour the spectacular Palace of Versailles
Marvel at the many splendid rooms and extravagant grandeur of French royals on a guided tour of the 17th-century Palace of Versailles and its elegant gardens.
Visit Monet's House & Gardens at Giverny
Visit Monet's House & Gardens at Giverny
Wander through Monet's colorful home and familiar garden in Giverny to see the rooms and views that inspired his most famous works, including the ponds featured in his Water Lilies series.
Walk on the D-Day landing sites of Normandy’s beaches
Walk on the D-Day landing sites of Normandy’s beaches
Step into the past on guided tour of D-Day sites, including Omaha and Bayeux beaches, and Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town to be liberated by airborne US troops at the end of World War Two.
Witness the unique site of Mont St Michel
Witness the unique site of Mont St Michel
Spend time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, which appears like a layer cake with its ethereal Gothic Benedictine abbey placed at the top.
Explore the famous châteaux of the Loire Valley
Explore the famous châteaux of the Loire Valley
After driving into the Loire Valley to see three of its chateaux – Chenonceau Château, Château du Petit Thouars, and Château de Villandry – enjoy a wine tasting and alfresco lunch.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Paris

Your vacation begins in Paris, the French capital, world renowned for its romance, culture and cuisine. After checking in to our central hotel, you are free to soak up the Parisian sights, scents, and flavors at leisure. Walking along the pedestrianized Seine riverbank is an ideal way to navigate the city and locate landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc du Triomphe.

From the Arc du Triomphe, you could wander down the famous shopping street, the Champs-Elysées, then maybe relax in the nearby Jardin des Tuileries, with its cooling water features and sculptures. You may also like to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, on the Île de la Cité. This famous cathedral is reached by the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf. One way to quickly feel at home in Paris is by stopping at a characterful sidewalk café, where you can watch the world pass by. Overnight Paris.

Day 2 - An excursion to the Palace of Versailles

A 17th-century masterpiece just outside the city beckons after breakfast - the sumptuous Palace of Versailles. This once-powerful home of French royalty includes more than 2,300 rooms, all filled with stunning period decor. Also renowned for its art, the palace has more than 60,000 pieces that reflect centuries of work.

With a Passport Ticket included, you have priority access to the palace itself and the surrounding gardens, whose fountains, immaculate lawns and ornate plants hint at the grandeur of the palace under Louis XIV.

There is time over lunch to dine independently in one of the onsite restaurants before boarding the Little Train through the grounds to the Estate of Trianon, which houses two smaller palaces, the Queen's Hamlet, and colorful ornamental gardens.

At the end of the afternoon, we are transferred back to our hotel before a free evening in enchanting Paris. Overnight Paris. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - A trip to Monet's Giverny

After a continental breakfast at our hotel, we transfer by motorcoach to Giverny in Normandy. This idyllic village beside the Seine was once home to one of the art world's giants, Claude Monet. Catch a glimpse of life through the artist's eyes with entrance to his former house and gardens at the Fondation Monet, followed by time to look around as you wish.

As you might expect from seeing his paintings, the artist's home was filled with color during his 40 years here. You can see the blue sitting room, yellow dining room, Monet and Alice's bedrooms, and his first studio. Outside, you may recognize the gardens and ponds which inspired his 'Water Lilies' series.  

Following free time to admire the scenery, we continue by coach to historic Rouen, Normandy's capital. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this medieval city on your own before dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight Rouen. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Discovering the D-Day beaches of Normandy

A full-day sightseeing excursion by motorcoach takes us to the historic shores of Normandy, where wide sandy beaches harbor a harrowing past. On a morning guided coach tour, we step back to the 1940s and the height of World War Two while exploring the beaches, bunkers, trenches, and gun posts.

Our tour takes in Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated by American airborne troops at the end of World War Two. Our nostalgic journey continues to Omaha Beach, followed by free time to look around this poignant site independently. Here, you can see les Braves Sculpture and US St. Lauren Cemetery.

We return by coach to our hotel in Rouen where there's a chance to look around this striking medieval city at leisure this evening, and to dine independently. Second only in size to Paris, the city's elaborate Gothic cathedral is also called Notre-Dame, the façade of which was painted dozens of times by Claude Monet, depicting the scene in different lights. Overnight Rouen. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo

Today takes us to the town of Saint-Malo on the English Channel, along a route filled with fascinating cities and scenic locations. Around mid-morning, we set off by motorcoach through Normandy's coastal towns. We pause enroute in Caen, known as William the Conqueror's city. Here, the 11th-century castle, Château de Caen, sits as the town's centerpiece, besides two abbeys and an impressive selection of medieval buildings.

You are free to spend time exploring and lunching in Caen before we proceed to the glorious site of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage tidal island half a mile off the French coast. The island village is stacked like an architectural layer cake, with the Gothic Benedictine abbey at the top. During our time here, you can stroll through the historic Old Town, walk the ramparts, and visit the abbey.

On arrival at our hotel in Saint-Malo this evening, we dine in the on-site restaurant. Overnight Saint-Malo.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Visiting Cancale, France’s most famous oyster town

From our base in the walled city of Saint-Malo, we head across our peninsula to the small coastal commune of Cancale after breakfast. This small coastal commune on the northern coast of Brittany is renowned for its oysters and shellfish.

On a visit to La Ferme Marine, an oyster farm just outside the town, we embark on a tour of the farm, hearing about oyster harvesting techniques, sorting and washing processes. A tasting follows as we sample fresh, briny oysters straight from the emerald seawater - a highlight of the tour. After a picnic lunch we head back into the village of Cancale, with a couple of hours to sightsee at leisure. You could visit the seashell museum or wander along the waterfront. If the conditions are right, you might be able to make out Mont Saint-Michel in the distance, rising from the sea like a pyramid.

We return to Saint-Malo later, where your evening is free. Maybe wander along the ancient granite ramparts or among its historic buildings, before finding a local place to dine independently. Overnight Saint-Malo.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Into the beautiful Loire Valley

Noble medieval architecture and enchanting French scenery guide the way for today's sightseeing expedition, which takes us to the Loire Valley city of Tours, with delightful stops enroute.

Departing Saint-Malo by coach after breakfast, we head inland through lush countryside. Our first stop is Saumur, an attractive riverside town founded in the 4th-century, with picture-book castles, and surrounded by vineyards. There is free time for lunch and to look around this atmospheric town and view its ancient stone and timbered buildings. This afternoon, we visit the impressive Royal Abbey of Fontevraud in the glorious Loire Valley, one of the largest surviving monastic cities from the Middle Ages. Founded in 1101, this World Heritage site extends over 32 acres. An audio-guided tour takes you through the scenic cloisters and beautiful buildings of the complex, where you can admire the well-preserved architectural details. The Plantagenet tombs are a particular favorite with visitors.

Arriving in medieval Tours this evening, we settle into our city center hotel with some free time ahead of tonight's dinner at the hotel. Overnight Tours. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - The châteaux of the Loire Valley

Besides being well-known for its fine white wines, the Loire Valley is also celebrated for its elegant chateaux. After breakfast, we have the opportunity to visit three of these magical castles on a guided tour.

Setting out by coach, we enter a fairytale landscape, arriving at Chenonceau Château - one of the most iconic castles in the Loire Valley. Here we have an audio-guided tour which explains why this unusual 16th-century castle was built over rather than beside the River Cher. Our excursion continues to Château du Petit Thouars, a castle that has passed directly from father to son since 1636. Our visit starts with an alfresco lunch overlooking the romantic setting, before wandering through the vineyard for a guided tour and a wine tasting.

The final château we visit is Château de Villandry, an estate whose hallmark is its elaborate Renaissance gardens. On a guided tour, we look around the castle and its grounds, before returning to our hotel in Tours where the evening is yours to spend as you please. Overnight Tours.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - A final rendezvous in Paris for an illuminated dinner cruise

After breakfast, we transfer to the station for a short train journey back to Paris where the tour began. Back in the beautiful city, the day is yours to sightsee at leisure. You could seek out a local café for a traditional French lunch, such as a croque monsieur (a delicious hot ham and cheese sandwich), moules-frites (mussels with French fries) or relax at a pâtisserie with a coffee and pastry.

Art lovers could easily spend an engaging afternoon in the renowned galleries and museums of Paris, such as the wonderful Musée d'Orsay or the Picasso National Museum. The legendary English-language bookshop, Shakespeare and Company, founded by American George Whitman in 1951, is opposite Notre-Dame Another must-see is the hill of Montmartre, with the stunning Basilica of Sacré-Cœur at its summit. For shopping, Galleries Lafayette is another Parisian institution.

Tonight, enjoy dinner aboard a cruise along the Seine, one of the world's most romantic rivers. We pass illuminated landmarks including the Eiffel Tower as we dine on quintessential French cuisine - a perfect end to the tour. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Homeward bound

France enchants visitors in many ways. On this vacation, you have explored its romantic capital, historic Normandy and charming Brittany. Sampling fine wines and oysters, uncovering the inspiration behind iconic artworks and marveling at breathtaking châteaux has unveiled why this elegant European country has been so beloved throughout the centuries.

Your tour of Paris, Normandy, and the Loire Valley concludes after breakfast this morning. You are free to transfer to the airport at leisure for your return flight home. Alternatively, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay to explore more of Paris and its surrounding regions independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel, Paris

Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel, Paris

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen

Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen

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Hampton by Hilton Hotel, Tours

Hampton by Hilton Hotel, Tours

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Golden Tulip Le Grand Bé, Saint-Malo

Golden Tulip Le Grand Bé, Saint-Malo

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Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 21 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (8)
  2. 4 stars
    (5)
  3. 3 stars
    (7)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Lisa H.

5 stars

Submitted 30/May

It was fantastic. For me it was a dream of as lifetime trip! The tour has every sight and place I wanted to see in France. Very pleased!

Collected by Trustpilot

Lisa H.
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Amy I.

5 stars

Submitted 30 Oct 2024

Overall a good itinerary that lets you see the best of these areas. There’s really not enough time in Paris with the tour alone, so would recommend adding some time there before and/or after the tour if you haven’t already been to Paris. Apparently this is a relatively new tour and the logistics still need a bit of tweaking, but our tour manager was very good overall and very good at making adjustments as we went along to ensure an optimal experience for our group.

from Vacations By Rail
Hello Amy - Welcome home! We're glad to hear that you had a good time on our Paris, D-Day Beaches, Normandy & the Loire Valley trip. Your suggestion to spend more time in Paris makes a lot of sense and will be taken into consideration for future tours. Thank you very much for your feedback!
Hi. I really meant the Paris comment for any potential customers who are reading the reviews. I think the current tour is fine as is re: Paris, and since it both begins and ends in Paris it is very easy for the individual to add extra time there if they so choose.
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

HARKEY, GREGORY ALAN

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2024

A wonderful tour with the right balance of group escorted travel and time to explore on our own. Our Tour Manager Judith did excellent job.

Collected by Trustpilot

Bridget Harvey

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2024

Our tour manager, Judith, was excellent! She cared for all of us and explained our daily events and schedule well. She was a true asset for the group and the tour. The two local guides were also good, especially Oliver on our day at St. Mere Eglise, Omaha Beach and the Cemetery. All of the events and places we saw were amazing.

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Teresa Bihl

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2024

Although this was 95% a bus coach trip, the transfers were well managed and the touring map was reasonable, with one exception, Rouen not being the best location for Normandy. Cancale would have been a better location. The interactive sites of oyster farming and vineyard/wine tasting/lunch were excellent. Audio tours functioned well, and the additional personal tour guides elevated other experiences. Versailles was well presented and just the right amount of touring time was budgeted. The Three Chateau’s day wasn’t timed well, as it is a very long day and there is much to see. Maybe one chateau could be done the day before or after? And the Seine Dinner Cruise was a perfect ending. The meal and service were outstanding. There may have been a bit too much time allowed for the D-Day beaches and cemetery. Our tour manager Judith was absolutely excellent by any standard. She was always prepared, often going ahead independently in our free time to assure the details of the next group event. Her communication skills in both English and French made every detail clear and efficient. She was always accessible to help with minor problems and questions. The included lunches and dinners were very appreciated, as it let us relax instead of seeking out options on our own. But there were enough optional meals to make certain we could satisfy our individual preferences at times. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a day to tour the D-Day museum and the William the Conqueror area. Both are worthy of a few hours on site, and are not easy to access as an individual tourist. We did not have enough time to make the museum worth while, and the historic village wasn’t even included as a stop.

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Kate Holland

5 stars

Submitted 31 May 2024

It was a wonderful journey! The sites were amazing & the pace was just right. I highly recommend this tour!

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